Project Manager Packaging Engineer Jobs in California

Currently looking for an experienced Packaging Engineering Manager to lead the development, optimization, and execution of packaging solutions across the product lifecycle. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise, cross-functional leadership skills, and the ability to balance innovation, cost, sustainability, and speed-to-market. The ideal candidate will drive packaging excellence while partnering closely with R&D, Operations, Quality, and external suppliers.

The Packaging Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of innovative, compliant, and scalable packaging systems across the product portfolio. This role partners cross-functionally to translate brand vision into technically sound packaging solutions while ensuring product protection, manufacturability, quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The Packaging Engineering Manager provides technical leadership from concept through launch and lifecycle management, driving continuous improvement and innovation across packaging platforms.

• Lead the development, qualification, and optimization of primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems to ensure product protection, regulatory compliance, manufacturability, sustainability, and positive consumer experience.
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Marketing, and Creative teams to deliver packaging solutions from concept through commercialization and lifecycle management.
• Drive packaging ideation, feasibility, and implementation, including package design, prototyping, stock and semi-custom components, minor mold qualifications, and engineering specifications.
• Own technical milestones for new packaging component development and risk assessments, ensuring alignment and transparency across functional teams.
• Oversee packaging compatibility testing with formulas (chemical, physical, and microbiological), as well as package performance, functionality, transit, and quality testing.
• Develop, maintain, and approve packaging specifications, bills of materials, fill & assembly standards, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Lead and coordinate packaging line trials, scale-up, startups, and commercialization activities, ensuring package performance and manufacturability.
• Support manufacturing through technical troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives across suppliers, plants, and distribution.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to assess feasibility of new packaging concepts, review and approve artwork, and establish decoration production standards aligned with design intent and manufacturing constraints.
• Evaluate, qualify, and implement new packaging materials, technologies, and processes to improve performance, efficiency, and innovation.
• Drive cost savings, quality improvements, and efficiency initiatives while maintaining performance and compliance standards.
• Develop and manage strong technical partnerships with external suppliers, component manufacturers, and contract manufacturers.
• Support and lead sustainability initiatives, including material optimization/reduction, recyclability, and process improvements aligned with organizational goals.
• Research and assess emerging packaging trends and technologies to inform future innovation and strategic packaging direction.
• Manage, mentor, and develop packaging engineer(s).
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field of engineering or science.
• 7+ years of work experience in Package Engineering (cosmetic industry preferred).
• 3+ years of people management or technical leadership experience.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and great attention to details.
• Ability to work and collaborate with multiple departments.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• FSA/HSA
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Resources
• 401(k) Employer Match Program

This position is based in our El Segundo, CA headquarters, which is currently 40% hybrid onsite/remote work.

The expected base salary for this position is $110,000 to $130,000. The exact base salary is determined by various factors including experience, skills, education, geographic location, and budget. This position is also eligible for participation in the company's discretionary bonus plan, based on personal performance and company results. In addition to base salary, Murad offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plans and company match, paid family leave, education-related programs, paid holidays, discretionary vacation time, and more.

As set forth in Murad’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.